Prewrapped gift carton



12, 1969 1.. ADAMS, JR., ETAL PREWRAPPED GIFT CARTON 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 28 1968 LEONARD ADAMS, JR

#SUVELLA RICHARDSOM ATTORNEYS Aug. 12, 1969 L. ADAMS, JR, ETAL 3,460,73

' PREWRAPPED GIFT CARTON Filed Feb. 28, 1968 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 E'si INVENTORS LEONARD ADA/M5, (/R. B Y sol ELLA RICHARDSON ATTORNEYS g- 1969 1.. ADAMS, JR.. ETAL 3,460,738

PREWRAPPED GIFT CARTON Filed Feb. 28, 1968 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 i inuuflu I INVENIORS LEONARD ADAMS, d/P. 67 BY SUI/ELLA R/OIARDSO/V A TTORA/E Y5 Aug. 12, 1969 L. ADAMS, JR. ETAL 3,4 ,7

' PREWRAPPED GIFT CARTON Filed Feb, 28, 1968 4 Sheets-j-Sheet 4 Fig.2?

INVENTORS LEONARD ADA/us, z/R swam R/CHARDSON ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,460,738 PREWRAPPED GIFT CARTON Leonard Adams, Jr., and Suvella Richardson, Louisville, Ky., assignors to The Finn Industries, Chicago, 11]., a corporation of Delaware Filed Feb. 28, 1968, Ser. No. 708,894 Int. Cl. B65d 5/02, 65/02 US. Cl. 229-37 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A prewrapped gift box is disclosed having front and rear panels joined by side panels with a simulated prewrap tucked at the joint between one side panel and the front panel. Closure tabs at the end extend from the side panels, and end flaps to which the prewrap is secured are alternatively folded over the closure tabs to effect a simulated gift Wrapped box. In another embodiment a central seam is defined at the box end by providing locking tabs on one of the end flaps and reclosure tabs on the other end flaps so that the prewrapped gift box may be opened for inspection. A transparent band is employed optionally which tucks in face-to-face relationship in the glue flap and contains printed indicia, the band being removable so that the box takes on a gift-like appearance.

The present invention relates to a prewrapped gift box, and more particularly, that type of box which can be shipped in fiat or knocked down, or may be erected by the manufacturer to fill the same with his merchandise, and which when purchased by the customer can be readily secured with a simple ribbon without additional wrapping for using the same as a gift packaged item.

No endless explanation is required, particularly to the average male, that gift wrapping is a tedious project, and only those who are skilled and have nimble fingers can do a professional-like job. Many department stores, particularly at the holiday season, are required to recruit an additional staff of people to gift wrap. Even though the customer may pay $1.00 for each parcel to be gift wrapped, the operation as a whole is often unprofitable for the department store. In this context, it will be appreciated that a prewrapped gift box which can be opened for inspection of the merchandise, or used with the merchandise which is selected by the customer, and quickly converted into a gift wrapped, professionally styled carton will be highly useful to merchants of all kinds.

In view of the foregoing, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a prewrapped gift box which is economical to purchase, simple and easy to use, and highly decorative in its finished version.

More specifically, the objects of the present invention look to the provision of a prewrapped gift box which can be shipped knocked down, or which can be shipped by the manufacturer, for example, of shirts, in the fully erected condition which requires only a ribbon for completing the gift package. A related and important object of the invention is to provide such a prewrapped gift box the ends of which may be opened for inspection of the merchandise by the customer, and readily reclosed and secured with a ribbon ready for delivery of the gift.

Still another and more detailed object of the present invention is to provide a prewrapped gift box in which the exterior Wrap is secured to the carton blank from which the gift box is formed only about the perimeter thereof so that the overlap or decorative outer wrap closely simulates that of hand wrapping.

One alternative embodiment of the present invention contemplates an end lock construction which permits the prewrapped gift box to be readily opened by a clerk or ice customer, and reclosed without damage or otherwise marring the ends of the box.

Still another alternative selective advantage of the present invention is to provide a prewrapped gift box with a transparent outer band which identifies the merchandise, the transparent band being removable by the customer or clerk after the purchase is made, and without telltale evidence thereafter of the identification band.

Heretofore simulated prewrap has been employed on elongated generally square type cartons useful primarily in the beverage business such as disclosed in Wright Patent 3,257,068, on which the end may be susceptible of fancy decoration.

Still another example of prewrapped beverage carton is disclosed in Bolding Patent 2,950,040 in which a transparent band may be employed.

The present invention constitutes an improvement on the above identified prior art type prewrapped cartons, generally commencing with a box which is wide and long, but the depth of which is a smaller portion of the width and length, such as a box to accommodate a shirt, sweater, pajamas, and the like. The simulated prewrap is secured to the end flaps which are specially proportioned so that the extensions of the narrow sidewalls may be tucked into the opening first, and thereafter the isosceles trapezoidal end flaps sequentially folded over and secured in place. The gift wrap or overwrap extends beyond all of the end flaps thereby hiding any raw edges, but is provided with a discontinuous web portion between one of the longer end flaps and its adjacent side flap. The other spaces between the isosceles trapezoidal end flaps are pro vided with a continuous web of the overwrap. In one embodiment, a recessed tuck or notch is provided for the triangular fiat piece at the discontinuous edge portion to ass1st in providing a continuous triangular finished end wrap appearance. In another alternative embodiment, offset locking tabs are provided, of uncovered raw stock, which permit the manufacturer or merchant to open and reclose the gift wrapped carton for inspection and exchange of merchandise. Irrespective of whether a single or double manufacturers glue flap is employed (single glue flap preferred) a transparent band may be applied to the prewrapped gift box on which the nature of the merchandise contained is disclosed, and yet which can be removed without any indication of having been present on the box when shipped.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description of illustrative embodiments proceeds, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the illustrative prewrapped gift box.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the carton blank from which the gift box of FIG. 1 is formed;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the carton blank, illustrating the manner in which adhesive is applied about its perimeter, for affixing the prewrap thereto.

'FIG. 4 is a plan view of the carton blank, with the prew-rap affixed to it;

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the carton blank, illustrating the manner in which the free extension portion of the prewrap is folded over and affixed to the side panel;

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view, illustrating the manner in which the triangular-shaped free portion of the prewrap is folded over and adhesively afiixed;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the corner of the carton blank, as indicated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the carton blank, illustrating one sequential folding step in forming the pre-formed gift box;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 99 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view, illustrating another of the sequential steps used in forming the pre-formcd gift box;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view, taken transversely through the erected, pro-formed gift box;

FIGS. 12*15 are partial perspective views of one end of the gift box, illustrating the progressive steps in folding the end flaps to close the end of the gift box;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a gift box exemplary of a second embodiment of the invention, having a reclosable end or ends;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the carton blank from which the gift box of FIG. 16 is formed;

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the carton blank, illustrating the manner in which adhesive for aflixing the prewrap to it is applied about its perimeter;

FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of the carton blank, with the pre-wrap aflixed to it;

FIG. 20 is a partial plan view of the carton blank, illustrating the manner in which the triangular-shaped free portions of the prewrap are folded and adhesively secured to the carton blank;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are plan views of the carton blank, illustrating respectively two of the sequential folds made while pre-forming the gift box;

FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of the carton blank taken generally along lines 23-23 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a partial sectional view of the erected gift box, illustrating the manner in which the ends of the prewrap are sandwiched between the glue flaps of the gift box; and

FIGS. 25-28 are perspective views of the end of the gift box, illustrating the manner in which the end flaps are sequentially folded to close the end of the gift box.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings, in FIG. 1 there is illustrated a gift box 10 exemplary of a first embodiment of the invention. The gift box 10 is formed from the carton blank 12 (FIG. 2) which is cut from a fiat sheet of material such as paperboard, and when folded, the gift box is completely enveloped by a prewrap 13 which can be a decorative paper, foil or the like.

More specifically, the gift box 10 is formed from the carton blank 12, which carton blank has four parallel, vertically disposed score lines 1447 provided on it, dividing the same into two large front and rear panels 19 and 21, two smaller side panels 20 and 22, and a glue flap 23 'which is integrally afiixed to the front panel 19, along the score line 14. The upper and lower edges of the front, rear and side panels are defined by two parallel, horizontally disposed score lines 25 and 26. The front panel 19 and the rear panel 21 each have end flaps 27, 31 and 29, 33 integrally affixed to them, respectively, along the score lines 25 and 26. These end flaps 27, 29, 31 and 33 each is isosceles trapezoidal in configuration, and is of a length to substantially completely overlap the open end of the carton 10, as will be more apparent from the described below. The side panels 20 and 22 each have small, generally rectangular-shaped end flaps 28, 32 and 30, 34 integrally affixed to them, respectively, also along the score lines 25 and 26. The glue flap 23 has a notch 36 formed in its upper edge, which notch is aligned with and forms an extension of the angled edge 37 of the end flap 27. A similar notch 38 is formed in the lower edge of the glue flap 23, and this notch is aligned with and forms an extension of the angled edge 39 of the end flap 31. These notches 36 and 38 permit the prewrap 13 to be folded over, along the entire length of the edges 37 and 39 and the extensions thereof formed by the notches 36 and 38, in a manner and for reasons set forth more specifically below.

The prewrap 13 is adhesively afiixed to the carton blank 12, and is of dimensions such as to substantially completely cover the carton blank 12, as illustrated in FIG. 4. It can be seen that the prewrap extends beyond the ends of the end flaps 2734 and the side panel 22 a short length, and overlaps approximately one-quarter of the width of the glue flap 23. The prewrap 13 also is a continuous web 41 and 42 between the end flaps 2730 and between the end flaps 3134, respectively. A small triangular-shaped free portion 43 and 44 extends outwardly from respective ones of the end flaps 27 and 31. In afiixing the prewrap 13 to the carton blank 12, adhesive is applied to the blank about its perimeter, as indicated by the dotted areas in FIG. 3, or to the prewrap in generally the same fashion, so that the prewrap is otherwise loosely affixed to the carton blank. The adhesive should not overlap any score line and preferably terminates in approximately one-eighth inch spaced relation to any score line. When the adhesive is applied in the described fashion and the prewrap is affixed to the carton blank, the prewrap will have a loose, hand wrapped appearance when the carton is formed and will not be subject to damage due to rupturing or tearing along the score lines when the end flaps are folded to close the ends of the carton.

During the pre-forming operation, the triangularshaped free portions 43 and 44 are folded over along the entire length of the edges 37 and 39 of the respective end flaps 27 and 31 and the extensions thereof formed by the notches 36 and 33, as can be best seen in FIG. 6 wherein the free portion 43 is illustrated in its folded over position. Preferably these free portions 43 and 4d are adhesively sealed to the carton blank by applying adhesive to them, as indicated by the dotted areas in FIG. 5, or to the carton blank. It can be seen that this fold extends below the horizontal score line 25 along which the end flap 27 is folded so that the extension of the prewrap, that is, that portion of the prewrap which overlaps and is aifixed to the glue flap 23, is folded over along the extension of the edge 37 formed by the notch 36. A sharp, clean fold or crease thereby is provided along this edge 37 of the end flap 27 and the raw edges of the free portion 43 of the prewrap is completely concealed so that the appearance of the carton more closely resembles a hand-wrapped gift wrapped carton. The free portion 44 is folded in a like manner so that the same results are provided at this corner of the carton.

Adhesive is applied along the edge of the side panel 22, as indicated by the dotted area in FIG. 4, and the extending portion 46 of the prewrap 13 is folded over and fixedly secured to this side panel, as can be best seen in FIG. 8. Thereafter, as can be best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the carton blank is folded along the score line 15, so that the front panel 19 and the glue flap 23 overlie the side panel 20 and the rear panel 21. Adhesive is applied along the length of the side panel 22, over an area substantially corresponding to the area of the glue flap 23, as indicated by the dotted area in FIG. 8. The carton blank then is folded over along the score line 17, as illustrated in FIG. 10. It can be seen that the edge of the side panel 22 is substantially aligned with the score line 14 after this fold is made, and that the side panel 22 is fixedly secured to the glue fiap 23 to fully pre-forrn the carton 10.

The carton 10 can be shipped and/or stored in this flat folded or knocked down configuration, and thereafter easily and quickly erected for use. Erection is accom plished by applying a force to the two corners 48 and 49 (FIG. 11) of the carton, in the direction indicated by the arrows, until the front, rear and side panels are unfolded and the carton has a generally rectangular-shaped crosssection, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

The opposite ends of the carton 10 are closed by folding the end flaps 27-30 and the end flaps 31-34, respectively, in overlapping relationship, as illustrated in FIGS. 1215 wherein the progressive steps of folding the end flaps 27-30 are illustrated. In FIG. 13, it can be seen that the smaller rectangular-shaped end flaps 28 and 30 are first folded over along the score line 25. The continuous web portion 41 between the end flaps 28, 30 and between the end flaps 27, 28 is carried with the end flap 28 as it is folded and is forced into the folded configuration along the angled edges of the end flaps 27 and 29. The end flap 30 likewise carries the web portion 41 between the end flaps 29 and 30 with it as it is folded so that the web portion is forced into the folded configuration along the angle edge of the end flap 29. The free portion 43 of the continuous web is, of course, already folded over along the angled edge 37 of the end flap 27, and the extending portion 46 of the prewrap is tucked between the glue flap 23 and the side panel 22.

Next, the end flap 27 is folded over, along the score line 25, to overlap the end flaps 28 and 30, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The end flap 29 then is folded over, along the score line 25, to overlap the end fla 27, as illustrated in FIG. 15, to complete the end closing operation. The end flaps 27-30 can be secured in this end-closing configuration by applying a decorative seal over the edge of the end flap 29. Alternatively, adhesive can be applied to the end flap 29 so that it can be adhesively secured to the end flap 27, or after the opposite end of the carton is closed, a ribbon can simply be wrapped around the carton to both decorate it and to hold the end flaps closed.

In those instances where it is desirable to pre-package the merchandise in a gift box, and yet permit inspection by the customer, a reclosable end can be provided, on one or both ends of the gift box, as illustrated in FIG. 16, wherein a gift box 60 is shown. In external appearance, the difference which is detectable between the gift box and the gift box 60 is a central seam such as the cen tral seam 61. It is also possible to apply a transparent band 62 of the character disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,950,040 to the gift box 10 or 60 if desired.

The carton blank 66 from which the gift box 60 is formed is illustrated in FIG. 17, and it can be seen that this carton blank generally resembles the carton blank 12. Accordingly, common reference numerals are used to illustrate like elements. The end flaps on the ends of the front and rear panels 19 and 21, in the case of the carton 60, are designated 27a, 31a and 29a, 33a, respectively, and it may be noted that these end flaps are each of a dimension such as to extend only approximately half way across the open end of the carton. In addition, the end flaps 27a and 31a have a pair of flanking locking tabs 63 and a central locking tab 64 extending from their ends, the same extending substantially across the open end of the carton. The end flaps 29a and 33a each have a pair of spaced reclosure tabs 65 formed on them, the width of the spaced reclosure tabs approximating the space between the flanking locking tabs 63 and the central locking tab 64. These tabs interlock when the end flaps are folded to close the ends of gift box 60, as described more fully below. The carton blank 66 also has a glue flap 67 integrally hinged to the edge of the side panel 22, along a score line 68.

As in the case of the gift box 10, the prewrap 13 is afiixed to the carton blank 66, using perimeter gluing, as illustrated in FIG. 18 by the dotted areas, so that the prewrap appears to be loosely wrapped about the gift box. Also, the dimensions of the prewrap 13 are such that the latter covers and overlaps the carton blank to the same extent as the prewrap covers and overlaps the carton blank 12, as illustrated in FIG. 19. The extension 46, in this case, however, is adhesively aflixed to the glue flap 67, rather than being folded over and adhesively affixed to the side panel 22.

The triangular-shaped free portions 43 and 44 again are folded over and preferably but not necessarily adhesively secured to the carton blank, as illustrated in FIG. 20. Thereafter, however, it can be seen, in FIGS. 20 and 21, that adhesive is applied to the glue flap 23 and the latter is folded over, along the score line 14, and

fixedly secured to the front panel 19. The carton blank 66 also is folded over along the score line 17 so that the side panel 22 and the glue flap 67 overlay the rear panel 21, as illustrated in FIG. 21.

Adhesive is applied to the now exposed surface of the glue flap 67, as indicated by the dotted area in FIG. 21, and the carton blank is folded over along the score line 15 so that the front panel 19 overlays the side panel 20 and the rear panel 21, and the glue flap 23 overlays and is fixedly secured to the glue flap 67, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23.

The gift box box 60 now is completely pre-formed and, like the gift box 10, can be shipped and/or stored in this flat-folded or knocked down configuration. Thereafter, it can be easily and quickly erected by applying a force to its two outermost corners, in the same manner as the gift box 10 is erected.

The opposite ends of the gift box 60 are closed by folding the end flaps in overlapping relationship, using the sequential steps illustrated in FIGS. 25-28 which illustrate the manner in which the end flap 27a, 28, 29a and 30 are progressively folded. It can be seen, in FIG. 26, that the end flaps 28 and 30 are first folded over the open end of the gift box and that the web portion of the prewrap between the end flaps is caused to fold along the angled edges of the end flaps 27a and 29a. Next, the end flaps 27a and 29a are folded over towards one another, and simultaneously the locking tabs 63, the central locking tab 64 and the reclosure tabs 65 are interlocked with one another and tucked beneath the opposite one of the end flaps so as to lockingly close the end of the gift box, as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28. These tabs are not fixedly secured so that the end or ends of the gift box 60 can be opened to inspect the merchandise therein and thereafter reclosed.

In each of the above-described embodiments, it is indicated that the prewrap is adhesively afiixed to the carton blank, by means of adhesive applied to the latter about its perimeter, generally as indicated by the dotted areas in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 18. In FIG. 2, on end flaps 28-30, there is illustrated an alternative manner of applying the adhesive to and about the perimeter of the carton blank. The adhesive is applied to the same side of the carton blank as shown in FIG. 3, however, rather than applying a solid area of adhesive, the adhesive is applied in a narrow strip which generally conforms to the end flap configuration. For example, the adhesive applied to the end flap 27 is in the form of a narrow strip which extends about three sides of the isosceles trapezoidal-shaped end flap, adjacent to and spaced from the edges thereof. Similarly, the adhesive applied to the end flap 28 is in the form of a narrow strip which extends about its three sides, adjacent to and spaced from the edges thereof. With this arrangement, the prewrap still is fixedly secured to the carton blank, but in a fashion such that it will appear to have been loosely, hand-wrapped about the carton.

Typical commercial embodiments of the foregoing embodiments are employed for packaging Inens shirts, pajamas, ladies blouses and the like. With the transparent band, a single or double glue flap may be employed, the double glue flap being desirable in heavier applications but not essential for all applications. The overwrap extends aproximately one-eighth inch beyond the underlying carton blank since a variable of one-eighth inch to one quarter inch is required .for existing materials and machinery. In the absence of the extension, it is possible that raw carton blank could appear, in either of the embodiments on the end flaps, and thus spoil the decorative appearance and simulation of hand wrapping. The gift boxes of all embodiments disclosed can be run on standard equipment, the cutting and scoring of the blanks being first performed and thereafter the simulated wrap, as indicated above, preferably is loosely aflixed to the carton blanks, using perimeter gluing on the latter, so that the prewrap resembles a handwrapped gift box. Also, this gluing should not overlap any of the score lines, otherwise the prewrap may be caused to rupture when the carton blank is folded. It will be observed also that irrespective of whether the reclosable end or sealed end is employed, the boxes can be shipped in the knocked down form, or the boxes can be filled by the manufacturer with his product ready for marketing. In those instances where the end is not reclosable, the transparent band is usually desirable to identify the merchandise, and yet permit the band to be ripped off at the time of purchase or by the customer so that a finished gift box is presented requiring no band wrapping.

While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments and applications, no intention to restrict the invention to the examples shown is contemplated, but to include within the invention all of the subject matter defined by the spirit.

I claim:

1. A prewrapped gift box comprising, in combination, an elongated box having a front panel, a rear panel, side panels joining the front and rear panels at their side portions, the same being formed of a single continuous sheet of board with an overlapping glue flap joining one side panel with the front panel, isosceles trapezoidal end flaps extending from each of the front and rear panel ends, end tabs extending from each of the side panel ends, and a decorative prewrap secured at the manufacturers glue flap in a tucked relationship therein, the decorative overwrap extending beyond the raw edges of the isosceles trapezoidal end fiaps at both ends and having discontinuous free portions at the opposite ends of said gift box which are-folded over one angled edge of one of said isosceles trapezoidal end flaps at the respective ends of the gift box, respectively, so that said free portion lies beneath said end flap when the latter is folded over the open end of the gift box to close it, the balance of said prewrap defining a web between each of said end flaps and its adjacent end tab, the whole in such combination that an effective decorator type end may be formed by tucking the end tabs centrally first, thereafter folding the isosceles trapezoidal end flap having the free portion of said web afiixed thereto, and then closing the same by folding the other one of said isosceles trapezoidal end members over the already folded end tabs and end flap, a notch in each being aligned with and forming an extension of the angled edge of the isosceles trapezoidal end flaps over which said free portion of said prewrap is folded, said free portion at each end of the gift box being folded over along the entire lengthof said angled edge of said end flap and the extension thereof formed by said notch.

2. In the gift box of claim 1, said free portions being fixedly secured in their folded over positions.

3. In the gift box of claim 2, means securing the prewrap about the perimeter of said sheet of board so that said prewrap appears to be loosely wrapped about said gift box.

4. In the gift box of claim 1, the end flaps proportioned to meet centrally of the open end when closed, and removable locking means extending therefrom.

5. In the gift box of claim 4, offset locking and reclosure tabs extending from the end flaps.

6. In the gift box of claim 5, three rectangular locking tabs, two offset rectangular reclosing tabs proportioned to fit within the gaps defined between the locking tabs.

7. In the gift box of claim 6, two locking tabs extending from the edge of the isosceles trapezoidal flap ends, the third locking tab being centered on the end flap.

8. In the gift box of claim 1, a transparent band encircling the box and tucked in the glue flap for product identification and removal.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,950,040 8/1960 Bolding 22938 3,257,068 6/1966 Wright.

3,260,359 7/1966 Willhite.

3,343,750 9/1967 Desmond et al.

3,374,937 3/1968 Wilson 22939 3,391,856 7/1968 Siegler 22987 3,394,867 7/1968 Gregg 22987 XR DAVIS T. MOORHEAD, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 22987 

